Fog is such an all purpose word. It can describe the weather, be blamed for personal stupidity, or used as an excuse. Personally, I hope the fog lifts today on all accounts.

It's another perfect Maine morning! Really wish you all could be here just to smell the air. I think it's even better than waking up to the smell of fresh-from-the-oven cinnamon rolls and coffee! If at this point you don't believe me, you haven't been lucky enough to wake up to the Maine Coast.

Several of our guests are going to enjoy the Whale Watch today with Cap'n Fish. With the ocean water at record warm temperatures, there's been an unusually high amount of porpoise sightings.

Whatever you decide to do today, stop a moment and take a sniff!!

Free Band Concerts

For years the Hallowell Band has been entertaining locals and visitors alike with their free concert held Thursday evenings. The Library Lawn, in the center of downtown Boothbay Harbor, starts filling up with lawn chairs and colorful blankets @ 6:30 pm every Thursday evening to save their spot for the lively music. Marching tunes and patriot pieces abound. A few special children are selected to lead the band at each performance.

Looking around at the faces of people enjoying the music, you can see nostalgia on the older faces, pleasure in the parents faces and mischief in the younger set. If you listen closely you might hear the echo of Brud's Spoons.

Good Morning,
It's already looking to be another hot one. The ocean is flat calm and almost no breeze. Blue skies with a few high clouds. Remember, you don't have to shovel sunshine!

I do believe this is the best Fourth of July morning I've ever had the pleasure to wake up to!! It is simply glorious here at Smugglers Cove! The sun is brilliant; making jewels sparkle on the water. The sky is a wash of blue with white wispy clouds for contrast. The leaves on the big maple tree across the street are whispering in the morning breeze. The aroma of fresh brewed coffee tickles the nose. Are those fresh blueberry muffins I smell?

July fourth as a holiday, is one of my favorites. Odd, because I've never really celebrated it. I do manage to see fireworks most years but what I love about it is the emphasis on family time. People travel hundreds of miles to spend the fourth with their loved ones. It parallels Christmas in many ways; cook outs instead of turkey, fireworks instead of presents, and Frisbees instead of football. I love what the fourth stands for and the pride that I feel to be descended from such a brave people standing up for what they believe in. I wish they were still running the country.

What's that?

Last night while I was walking from the dock area up to The 1820 House, I mentioned to my daughter how briny the air smelled. She had no idea what I was talking about! She actually thought I "made that word up"!! That got me to thinking how we all tend to overuse the same words. I started to really listen to what people were saying to me and the words they were using to express themselves.

Try it but be forewarned; you may not like what you think you hear!!

Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens

The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens located right here on our peninsula is one of the most fabulous places I've ever been. It's inspiring to think that what was once just the dream of a few people, willing to work their butts off and invest all their assets in, has become one of the top four botanical gardens in New England. Over 235 waterfront acres and still growing, improving and delighting all who enter. From children's special gardens to the wedding site of your dreams, it seems the Gardens has something for everyone. If you haven't yet visited; you're truly missing out. For more info: www.MaineGardens.org .

Only in Maine can it go from thunder storm to monsoon to sunshine in 7 hours! It's been an amazing day all around so far.

I just love to see my guests smile. How many people can you make smile in a day?

Being at Smugglers Cove is like revisiting your childhood. Remember those days when you were so intent on finding that perfect shell on the beach that you totally lost track of time? Or the times when you were basking in the sun by the pool and before you knew it your Mom was yelling out the back door,"Suppertime!!!" Well, we don't actually yell out "suppertime", but we do have a full service restaurant on site with fabulous views of that beach, pool and ocean. If you're really too comfortable to move out of that lounger, just call on your cell for pool side "Room Service"!.

Hope to see you by the pool!

Early morning at the Inn

Listening to all the birds in the trees this early morning seems the perfect way to wake up! I love the not-so-quiet of the mornings here on the coast of Maine. Right now I'm listening to the breeze rustle the leaves on the trees, the sporadic drone of the lobster boats hauling their traps, and the occasional car driving by. The slap of the rope on the flagpole sounds a steady ping in the breeze.

I just uncovered the swimming pool for the day. It only takes 5 minutes to uncover the pool although it measures 20 feet by 40 feet. It does, however, take me at least an additional 5 minutes to tear my eyes away from the incredible view of the cove and beyond. Back to the office I must go!!

Windjammer!

Today started off a little wet, but boy did it turn out to be B-E-A-U-tiful! The sun is out, almost no clouds in the sky, and the air is warm. Anyone care for a dip in the pool?

Windjammer Days are off going strong with the parade starting at 5. Its going to be crowded this year since this is the first time in years it has been sunny for the parade. The boats have been coming in all day, and our guests are excited! Fire works are this evening, which we should be able to view right from our rooms private balconies. So far it has turned out to be a great summer, let's hope it stays that way.

Our new Blog

So excited! Kim and I just set up this blog to keep you all abreast of the goings on in beautiful East Boothbay. Getting ready to jump into Windjammer Days. The Windjammers sail into Linekin Bay this afternoon. They will overnight here and enter Boothbay Harbor in the early afternoon tomorrow. Our 1820 House restaurant has a perfect view.

Our heated, outdoor pool is seeing a lot of action with all the fabulous weather we've been enjoying. Kayakers enjoyed a paddle around the bay @6am this morning!